Slinkier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A flexible and agile creature, often found creeping stealthily or moving in a sinuous manner
2. a playful, crafty being that can maneuver smoothly and quietly
3. an object or entity characterized by a sleek and elongated form, exhibiting grace and stealth in motion

Etymology: "Slinkier" is the comparative of "slinky," which is itself formed from the verb "slink" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y." The verb "slink" means to move in a quiet, furtive way, typically to avoid notice, and the "-y" ending turns that action into a quality: something that slinks is slinky. Over time the sense shifted from the stealth of the movement toward the smooth, clinging, sinuous look of a body or garment in motion, which is why the adjective now describes sleekness as much as sneakiness. The comparative "slinkier" simply adds the usual "-ier" ending to that adjective, so it means more slinky. Its root, "slink," traces back to Old English, where the related forms carried the sense of creeping or sneaking, and the "-y" suffix has been used in English for centuries to make adjectives from nouns and verbs.

Synonyms: sleeker, slimmer, sly, sinuous, lithe

Antonyms: bulkier, clumsier, heavier, sturdier, stouter